Hey, didn't we blow this place up?
Written: Mar 01 '01 (Updated Mar 01 '01)
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Pros: great seats, atmosphere, beautiful arena...
Cons: some of the fans, the prices
The Bottom Line: Read Below...
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| leafsbabe01's Full Review: Madison Square Garden |
I must admit it... after watching Hollywood's Godzilla, which I didn't like, I felt a certain amount of joy when Madison Square Garden was blown up. In fact, that was the only good factor I found throughout the film. But that's not to say I don't appreciate the arena. Quite frankly, it's a beautiful one. One worth visiting, should you be able to get in and if you have the money to do so.
Although I am a Leafs fan, living near Philadelphia, I've had the opportunity to visit several arenas. One of which is Madison Square Garden. My husband was able to
get tickets last year to a regular season game between the Rangers and Maple Leafs. Nothing like seeing these two original six teams duke it out.
The Arena:
Located on Seventh Avenue between 33rd & 31st Street stands the home of the Rangers and Knicks. The NHL's Rangers history in the current Madison Square Garden consists of a Stanley Cup Victory in 1994. The NBA's Knicks have won four Eastern Conference Championships as well as two NBA Championships in 1970 and 1973. The capacity of the arena is 19,763.
Getting in and out of Madison Square Garden can be a challenge. Like any popular arena, you've got to deal with the hundreds of other people that are in your way. However, you'll easily be able to locate the entrance/exit... and there are ushers who will direct you to your seat upon request.
I have been to Madison Square Garden for Ranger games and concert events, so I can't speak for any Knick games or other entertainment events. However, in my experience, the seats are comfortable and offer a great view, even if you
are at the highest level of the arena. The tickets for just about any event are difficult to get. If you're planning on seeing the Rangers or Knicks, I would suggest getting the
tickets as soon as they go on sale, even if the game is months down the line. The prices for a Rangers game are between $42.00 & $215.00 and can be purchased through
ticketmaster, as well as any other event at Madison Square Garden.
The Food:
There is food available both outside the arena and inside it. The food outside the arena is just about the same as the food stands inside it. Pizza, hot dogs, popcorn. All your typical food is available. The only difference is that the price of the food outside the arena is less expensive by a few bucks.
As an example of what the costs within Madison Square Garden are like, a hot dog and pop is going to cost you about 10 bucks.
The Atmosphere:
Remember we are talking about New York City here. I can't speak for the atmosphere at a Knicks game, as I am not an NBA fan, and have never been for this event. But if you
are or are planning on attending a Rangers game, expect a rowdy crowd. The game I attended was a tight one, which went into overtime. The fans get quite ignorant to anyone
who's not a fan of the Rangers. You can expect that anywhere, but more so here. Should you be sporting a Jersey other than a Rangers one watch out for flying objects such as trays, cups and food, even if you're not provoking them. If you are, expect more drastic flying objects to be thrown at you.
When I was there, it was towards the end of the season, and I was minding my own business... but a few Ranger fans decided to start in with me about how bad my team was. Typically, I would start in on anyone unless they provoke me, especially in enemy territory. I responded to this by reminding them that my team was advancing to the playoffs, while their team with the highest payroll in the NHL would be missing the playoffs all together. :)
Final Thoughts:
Be prepared. Expecting to get in to an event the day of at Madison Square Garden is like going to a popular restaurant on Valentine's Day with no reservation and hoping to get in. It just doesn't happen...
I would suggest taking the train to the arena, as trying to park at the arena is hectic and expensive. Even if you park near the arena, they hike up the prices when there is a game
going on.
Recommended:
Yes
Parking Availability: What A Nightmare
Seat Location: Mid Level
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Epinions.com ID:
leafsbabe01
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Member: Christin
Location: Des Moines, IA
Reviews written: 97
Trusted by: 67 members
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